Bidvest Wits striker Phakamani Mahlambi has joined his u20 teammates in camp in Kitwe, Zambia.

The Burger King-sponsored South African u20 Men’s National Team is in that part of the world for the 2017 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicked off on Sunday, 26 February.

Mahlambi, who played a huge role in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games qualifiers for the South African Men’s u23 National Team – but missed out on the Brazil adventure due to an injury – brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Amajita squad.

“I am very happy to be a part of the Amajita family and I am grateful that the coaches have selected me on this very crucial mission for our country. I watched the match last night and was very eager to arrive here to start training with my teammates. I was very impressed with the way they played last night – and when called upon by the coaches, I will do my best to add on what is already a very a competitive team,” said Mahlambi upon arrival in Kitwe.

“I know that I will have to fight for a place in the starting lineup and it will not be easy as the team has already built its foundation, however, I am ready to earn my national colours and would like to see my country playing at the FIFA u20 World Cup tournament. We are a very blessed nation. The amount of talent we have is amazing and I hope that with the three goals that we scored against Cameroon, it is the beginning ”f great things to come.”

The prolific forward is expected to start training with his compatriots on Wednesday (1 March) ahead of their clash against Senegal on Thursday (2 March).

The match will be played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Kickoff is at 18h00.

In the other Group B fixture, Sudan hosts Cameroon at 15h00 at the same venue.

Amajita top the table with three points following their impressive 3-1 victory against Cameroon on Monday night (27 February 2017) in Ndola.

Senegal and Sudan are tied with a point each, while Cameroon has nothing on the board.